fore be quite easy on
the subject. Your uncle made his proposition when Julie had no father
to be consulted; the case is now different, and, for your sake, I
intend, for a time, to injure myself in the opinion of your good
relation. I shall assume, I trust, what, if ever I had it, would be
immediately sacrificed to gratitude--I mean high aristocratical pride;
and should your uncle make the proposal, refuse it upon the grounds that
you are not noble by _descent_. No one will deny your nobility on any
other point. Do you understand me, Newton? and will my so doing be
conformable to your wishes?"

"It will, Monsieur le Marquis, and I thank you most sincerely."

"Then make no objection when he proposes the match a second time; leave
all the obloquy on my shoulders," said the marquis, smiling.

This arrangement having been made, it was not surprising that Newton
heard his uncle's renewal of the proposition with such calmness and
apparent acquiescence.

"We dine with the marquis to-morrow, Newton," observed Mr John Forster;
"I shall take an opportunity after dinner of requesting a few minutes'
interview, when I shall put the question to him."

"Certainly, sir, if you think right," replied Newton.

"Well, I'm glad the dear girl has changed that foolish name of Amber.
What could possess my brother! Julie is very fine, nevertheless; but
then she was christened by French people."

The next day the parties met at dinner. Isabel Revel had been asked;
and, having heard from Madame de Fontanges of the plan agreed upon, and
anxious to see the old lawyer, she had consented to join the party. The
dinner passed off as most dinners do when the viands and wines are good,
and every body is inclined to be happy. Isabel was placed next to Mr
Forster, who, without knowing who she was, felt much pleased with the
deference and attention of so beautiful a young woman.

"Newton," said his uncle, when the ladies retired, and the gentlemen
packed up their chairs, "who was that young lady who sat next to me?"

"The young lady, my dear uncle, whom I did wish to introduce to you as
my intended wife--Miss Isabel Revel."

"Humph!--why, you never spoke to her before dinner, or paid her any
common civility!"

"You forget, sir, your injunctions, and--"

"That's no reason, nephew, why you should forget common civility. I
requested that you would not marry the young lady; but I never desired
you to commit an act of rudeness. She is a v